Mission Cliffs Rock Climbing Center in San Francisco, CA 94103

If you're climbing the walls anyway, head downtown to this indoor-rock climbing gym. All 14,000 square feet of artificial granite are there for the conquering. Making it manageable for kids are the many hand- and footholds.

Climbers are also secured by a harness and rope. You can back up your child if you take a Belay Safety Class, which entails learning how to put on a harness, tie a figure eight knot, and belay safely. Or you can rely on a staff member for help. Climbing classes are also available on a drop-in basis all day on weekends.

Mission Cliffs provides harness and shoes for a rental fee (adults and children). Most climbers find it most comfortable to wear shorts. Showers are on the premises if you want to wash up afterwards.

Classes: If your child (ages 4 to 17) is new to climbing you might want to sign up for a lesson with one of the instructors. Sessions last an hour and cost $35 for one child, $60 for two. Call in advance to book a lesson.

Ten-week afterschool sessions are also available for ages 6 to 14. Students cover belaying, basic movement technique, bouldering, spotting, route-reading, climbing games and exercises that improve technique.

Summer camps: Non-members $250/week; Members $200/week.

Parties: You'll get two hours of climbing and a half hour use of the party room. For the first five kids the cost is $100; it's $20 for each additional child; $4 optional shoe rental. Price includes supervision: six kids per staff member. Registration two weeks in advance required.